Avril Lavigne: “I Am Me” – Addresses Melissa Rumors
In a recent appearance on the popular podcast Call Her Daddy, Canadian singer-songwriter Avril Lavigne addressed the long-standing conspiracy theory that she was replaced by a body double named “Melissa.”
Host Alex Cooper broached the subject, calling it a “crazy rumour” that has shadowed Lavigne’s career. Lavigne, 39, briefly played along before dismissing the idea. “There’s a conspiracy theory that I’m not me. Obviously, I am me. It’s so dumb,” she said.
The rumour began in an online forum in the early 2000s, shortly after the release of Lavigne’s second album, Under My Skin. According to the theory, the real Lavigne died in 2003 and was replaced by a look-alike, purportedly named Melissa, to maintain the punky Lavigne brand for record label profits. Some even claim Melissa is a clone of Lavigne.
When asked if the persistent rumors bothered her, Lavigne responded that she doesn’t care.
Conspiracy theorists have cited “evidence” ranging from differences in Lavigne’s facial features to her wardrobe choices—claiming Lavigne wore pants while Melissa prefers skirts and dresses. The release of her controversial 2013 single Hello Kitty, which marked a departure from her usual style, reignited the theory and remains a core part of the conspiracy.
Lavigne joins a list of celebrities, including Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift, who have faced similar doppelgänger conspiracies. However, she remains unfazed. “Honestly, it’s not that bad. It could be worse,” Lavigne said. “I feel like I got a good one. I don’t think it’s negative or anything creepy.”
Cooper predicted that social media comments on the interview would focus on the Melissa conspiracy. As expected, commenters weighed in with quips like, “This is soooooo something Melissa would say,” and “Won’t believe it until I see Avril and Melissa in the same room.”
When asked if the persistent rumors bothered her, Lavigne responded that she doesn’t care.
Lavigne also used the podcast to announce her upcoming Greatest Hits album, set for release on June 21. She will kick off her Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits tour in Vancouver, B.C., on May 22 at Rogers Arena.
